Thursday of the Third Week of Advent

Today's Mass Readings

Throughout this week, we’ve reflected on the joy of God’s presence: in His transforming work, His faithfulness through history, and His strength in our trials. Today, we see this joy breaking through in a surprising and profound way—God’s presence is often revealed through the utterly unexpected, challenging us to expand our faith and trust in His plans.

In Judges, we meet Manoah and his wife, a barren couple living in obscurity. Into their lives comes the astonishing announcement that they will have a son, Samson, who will deliver Israel from its enemies. This child’s life will be set apart, marked by God’s purpose before he is even conceived. In this surprising event, we see a pattern repeated throughout Scripture: God chooses the least likely people and situations to reveal His power and love.

In Luke, the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth parallels that of Manoah and his wife. Elizabeth, like Manoah’s wife, is barren, and Zechariah is advanced in years. Yet, God breaks into their lives with the startling promise of a child, John the Baptist, who will prepare the way for the Lord. What is even more surprising is Zechariah’s reaction—his doubt leads to silence, a silence that becomes a space for reflection and trust to grow.

Here is the surprising and challenging truth: God’s presence does not always come as we expect or desire. It often disrupts our plans and calls us to step into something entirely new. Yet, it is precisely in this disruption that joy is found, as we come to see that God’s ways are far greater than our own.

As we approach Christmas, let us ask: How is God calling me to embrace the unexpected? Perhaps He is working through a situation that seems impossible or asking me to trust Him in a new way. Like Elizabeth and Manoah’s wife, may we respond with faith, knowing that the joy of God’s presence is found when we surrender to His surprising and perfect will.

Reflection by Fr. Etienne Huard, OSB